The striker, who began his career at Camp Nou before moving to Italy, feels Tito Vilanova's team will be too strong, but he does not expect the tie to be over after the first leg

EXCLUSIVEby Pilar Suarez

Former Barcelona trainee and AC Milan striker Javi Moreno believes the Catalan giants will be too strong for their Italian opponents in the Champions League.

The 38-year-old never played for the Catalan giants first team but still holds a special place for them in his heart, and he told Goal.com he thinks the Liga leaders are rightly the favourites for the last-16 encounter.

"At the moment Barcelona are the favourites, but they are playing against one of the best clubs in the world," he said.

"I think they will have to play two good games as it will not be over tomorrow [Wednesday]. The result will be known in Barcelona and hopefully it will be a good one for Barca.

"They are conceding goals but this Barcelona team will also score more themselves. I think that Barcelona are far superior in the tie."

The former Atletico Madrid forward also feels Tito Vilanova's side have returned to form after defeat to Real Sociedad in January, and says the weight of fixtures led to a drop in performances.

Moreno added: "They play many games in midweek and then at the weekend. There are many moments in the season when teams have a downturn and I guess that is what Barcelona had then.

"It is difficult playing at Barcelona's phenomenal level all season, but because they have that level they won't fail."

Moreno spent just one year at San Siro before moving back to Spain, and with Mario Balotelli cup-tied and Stephan El Shaarawy in a race against time to be fit, the former Alaves man feels ex-Barcelona man Bojan Krkic could have a crucial role to play.

He added: "I do not know if Bojan will play. Milan have very good players up front and anyone can play well there.

"Clearly Bojan will be very motivated to play against his former team but it will be one more game where he will want to secure his team a win."

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